At Kingsley Park Primary School in Frankston, Assistant Principal Matthew Brand enjoys welcoming new families with school tours. Student-led initiatives like soup and smoothie days, along with their nutritious canteen, reflect their whole-school commitment to health and student wellbeing.
Kingsley Park’s student-led "Smoothie Day" and "Soup for Everyone Day" have become much-loved regular events. Donations come from Foodbank and local businesses. Students bring reusable containers and over 200 free smoothies or bowls of soup are served. Healthy flavours and local connections are celebrated while reducing waste.
As the events have grown, the school has partnered with local suppliers to source fresh ingredients and strengthen community ties.
“Our health promoter Kristen Young helped us get the soup day off the ground and Peninsula Health donated the soup kettle. Their support relating to the Achievement Program and Vic Kids Eat Well has been key in building and celebrating student-led initiatives,” said Mr Brand.
Mr Brand said the decision to join the Achievement Program was driven by students.
“Our student leaders wanted something meaningful, and the Achievement Program was a perfect fit – it gave them ownership and aligned with our focus on healthy eating, mental health and physical activity.”
In the classroom, nourishing food is linked to both the health and science curriculum. The school’s PE teacher Abe Kenny has led the charge with an emphasis on student nutrition for learning, focus and growth.
“Every class has a fruit snack break and water on their desk so students can refuel for focus. We also provide fruit in class, including fresh apples, oranges and pears, with donations from Foodbank,” said Mr Brand.
Kingsley Park’s canteen options include veggie-packed pasta bakes, rice with carrots, corn and peas, falafel, wraps, steamed dim sims, boiled eggs, fruit salad and specials like sushi and rice paper rolls. With these delicious and healthy options aligning to the Vic Kids Eat Well initiative.
The school’s canteen manager, Leigh Simpson, works closely with leadership to continually improve the menu with a health-first mindset. Cakes were removed as part of Vic Kids Eat Well.
“We’re always adding nourishing options for students and their busy days of learning. Our canteen manager Leigh puts so much care into the snacks and meals she freshly creates,” said Mr Brand.
The canteen is supported by parent volunteers.
"Kids love seeing their parents in the canteen – it builds belonging and volunteers get a free lunch for their child,” Mr Brand said.
As part of Vic Kids Eat Well's simple swaps, the school has also created a healthier twist to end-of-year and class party celebrations.
“Now we do bento boxes from the canteen featuring carrot and celery sticks, cheese, crackers and a hot savoury item. It’s still fun, but more balanced,” he said.
Embedding wellbeing into school culture
Kingsley Park continues to align with Vic Kids Eat Well's healthy food and drink actions and the Achievement Program’s framework, with school leaders always looking to improve the whole-school environment.
“We’ve made these improvements gradually and naturally. With the Achievement Program and Vic Kids Eat Well we know we're on the right track,” said Mr Brand.
Their health promoter Kristen Young said: “I’m proud to collaborate with Kingsley Park Primary as the school recognises that when students and families feel healthy, safe and connected, they not only thrive academically but also build strong social and emotional foundations for life.”
The Achievement Program is a free program that helps schools and early childhood services create healthier environments.
To learn more about the program or sign up, visit the Achievement Program website: https://www.achievementprogram.health.vic.gov.au/